The state is experiencing a significant shortfall that could involve dramatically cutting spending, raising state taxes and user fees or introducing new revenue sources such as legalized gambling, or raid the state’s “rainy day fund” now in reserve. The proposed House budget includes a “cuts-only” strategy with a 27% cut to state programs and services.
This related article posted by The Chronicle of Philanthropy is worth a read: http://tinyurl.com/4spd5fa.
In the past, government has looked to the nonprofit sector to fill the gaps left where government has withdrawn programs and funding. This may not be a realistic alternative for many nonprofits given the uncertain economic times we have faced for the past few years.
So what do we do? Many of you have already begun conversing with state legislators as have our public policy partners in the field. I wanted to add my voice to the conversation and urge you to tell your stories so that those in a position to make funding decisions will know the impact those decision will make on the nonprofit sector. We are all in this together!
Cynthia B. Nunn
President
